- Commissioner Awards Nominations are Open!
Nominate a library staff member, public official, or legislator
- Federal Funding Impact on Libraries in MA
Library funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services is at risk
- Get to Know the Founding Commissioners
Learn about the first Commissioners and their work
- ARIS & Financial Report
State Aid ARIS & Financial Report FY2026 season schedule and information
NEWS RELEASES
Latest activities and updates from the MBLCOctober 01, 2025 - Andrea Bono-Bunker Winner of Prestigious Governor’s Award
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that Andrea Bono-Bunker, Library Building Consultant in the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), is the winner of the prestigious Manuel Carballo Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service. T ... READ MORE
October 01, 2025 - Reading the Revolution MA250 Booklists: Our Ongoing Journey to a Free and Equal Nation
The Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) are pleased to announce the launch of the Reading the Revolution booklists. This multipart reading list honors the complex history of the American Revolution and our nation's unfolding evolution ... READ MORE
September 29, 2025 - Careers in Libraries: Massachusetts Library Staff Share their Stories
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is delighted to announce the launch of Careers in Libraries, a new collection of video stories featuring diverse library staff from across the Commonwealth. These brief videos highlight the different career possibilities in libraries, the pass ... READ MORE
Library Directory
From the MBLC Blog
Do Funding and Staffing Change with Increased Usage?
In this edition, we will examine what's happened in the past for library funding from municipalities and staffing and try to answer to question "Do funding and staffing change with increased usage?"
Service Update – September 24, 2025
🕙 MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on October 9th (Hybrid)Contact: Rachel Masse The regular monthly board meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, at the Nevins Library in Methuen. ✨Nominate a Library Champion for the MBLC Commissioner Awards by October 1! Contact: Celeste Bruno, Rachel Masse, … Continue reading Service Update – September 24, 2025
Henry Stedman Nourse
The Honorable Henry Stedman Nourse (April 9, 1831 - November 14, 1903), of South Lancaster, Lancaster, served as a founding commissioner of the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts from 1890 until his death in November 1903, soon after his appointment to a third term on the Commission.